Number of killings in Philadelphia to reach 5-year high

PHILADELPHIA >> Philadelphia is set to finish the year with more homicides than it’s had since 2012.

The most up-to-date police records show that 314 people have been killed in the city as of Thursday. That’s a 13 percent increase from the same period last year and the highest number since 331 killings were reported in 2012.

Philadelphia Police Captain Sekou Kinebrew says violence related to the opioid crisis has contributed to the increase in killings. He says the department has been targeting areas where they know drugs are sold.

The homicide rise comes as Philadelphia is experiencing decreases in reports of shootings, rapes and gun robberies.